Communicating the Court Reporter Shortage

Did you know there’s a court reporter shortage? While it hasn’t hit Oklahoma City quite yet, it’s set to impact urban, suburban, and rural communities across the country in the coming months and years. By 2018, Ducker Worldwide estimates a shortage of more than 5,000 court reporters across the nation, with at least 80 of those being in Oklahoma. With growing opportunities outside the legal field, that number is set to increase.

What can we do about communicating the court reporter shortage?

According to our own Ginger Baze in a recent press release, there’s a lot we can do as an industry including going to high schools to talk to students and guidance counselors. Often the quietest people in the courtroom, our role is often overlooked even by students interested in a legal related career. That means we have to be our own advocates when it comes to recruiting new students to court reporting.

What are the benefits?

Along with the growing opportunities in business, politics, and professional sports, those with reporting training and experience have the potential to earn upwards of six figures. Right out of reporting school, students earn an average of $40,000 per year, often more than graduates of four-year degree programs. That has appeal for students who don’t want to incur the growing costs of a four-year degree.

Other benefits include the opportunity to be a freelance court reporter which has a certain appeal, especially for the younger generation, who can make their own schedule and create a lifestyle they desire. They just need to know the opportunity is available.

How can you help?

We truly believe in the power of people to help spread the word about this career, increase interest, and help us serve our clients. You can help by sharing our blog posts, following us on social media, and sharing your experience of being a reporter. For students who are focused, detail-oriented, and career-driven, court reporting can be a rewarding career.